Once you are comfortable that your mark is registerable, there are two basic approaches to federally registering your mark:

1. Via an "Intent to Use" application:

• prepare and file the application;
• survive the opposition phase;
• receive a notice of allowance;
• provide satisfactory evidence of use in interstate commerce; AND
• obtain federal registration.

2. Via a "Use-based" application:

prepare and file the application AND satisfactory evidence of use in interstate commerce;

survive the opposition phase;

receive a notice of allowance; and

obtain federal registration.

Of the two, the first method is more frequently preferred, because it provides more flexibility in providing proper evidence of use of the mark in interstate commerce.